Nawena trashes Kayembe: ‘Malawians suffering more now than Bingu’s time’

Malawian controversial legislator for Thyolo Thava, Lifred Nawena, stood on a point of order in the National Assembly to quash Member of Parliament (MP) for Dowa West, Abel Kayembe who claimed the People’s Party government of President Joyce Banda is alleviating people’s suffering with social protection programmes.

Kayembe was making his contribution towards the state of the nation address that was delivered to the House recently by President Dr. Joyce Banda under the theme ‘Unity of purpose towards economic recovery.’

He appealed: “We need to work in a collective manner regardless of different political parties in this time of pain. We have to be bold enough to move forward because economic recovery is not simple.”

Kayembe said that realizing the negative impact of the economic plan, the Banda government introduced social protection programmes so that the vulnerable are cautioned.

Nawena: Point of order, people suffering now more

But Nawena, who has rejoined the former governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) described Kayembe’s social protection programmes remarks as misleading saying the vulnerable were now facing more problems than before.

He said it was unfair for him to give the impression that the poor were being assisted whilst they were suffering even more.

“As a nation, we have been greatly affected by the Kwacha devaluation,” said Nawena, standing on a point of order.

“In Bingu’s time, the K200 they received after working was enough to buy a packet of sugar. Today, can K300 buy it? No!” emphasized Nawena.

In his response, Kayembe who is also Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs said it was government’s commitment to make sure that its people are not suffering and will in any way ensure that.

“As government, we will not sit down until the economy is fully recovered and we will not be satisfied until all corrupt practices have been sealed off,” he said.

Since President Banda assumed power following the death of Bingu Wa Mutharika last year, a series of austerity programmes have been introduced to improve the country’s economy which was in dire straits after Mutharika had alienated international donors with his hardline policies.